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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Medic Alert Bracelet?
        
(Message started by: NovellRed on Oct 29^th, 2006, 7:46pm)

Title: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by NovellRed on Oct 29^th, 2006, 7:46pm

First my question.
Does anyone know if there is a Medic Alert bracelet for cluster headaches?

Now my reason
My job requires me to travel a LOT. Consequently I am by myself without anyone around who knows my condition. I have no one to speak for me while in the throes of a kip 10. Air travel almost always brings one on. It is all but impossible to sit strapped into a chair during an attack. Trying to crush my skull while rocking in my seat like a student in a madrassas school upsets the flight attendants. When I can stand it no longer and request oxygen, the questions start. I can't answer them. I am a quivering mess and can only groan and say "oxygen" Now the announcement comes to see if there is a doctor on board. More questions from the doctor. "Are you having trouble breathing?" "Why do you need oxygen". An eternity later someone produces a bottle of O2 and in 5 minutes I am OK. I am not embarrassed during the attack. I would stand naked in the middle of Times Square on New Years Eve if it would make the pain go away. So now I sheepishly endure the rest of the flight wishing I could just melt into my seat.

If I could flash a Medic Alert bracelet to a flight attendant and ask for oxygen the whole process could be resolved in a matter of minutes. It would be great if the bracelet would say something like "O2 15 lpm". But just having a bracelet with the Medic Alert symbol and being able to mouth the word oxygen would be a fantastic step forward.

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by E-Double on Oct 29^th, 2006, 7:57pm

Not a bad idea.

I used to carry a card with :
all of my doctors #
the meds I was on and the meds I MUST NOT HAVE
Emergency treatments if necessary

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by jon019 on Oct 29^th, 2006, 8:38pm

Hi NovellRed,

I think it's a great idea. I am getting one for an allergy condition (it is not pre-printed), BUT you can purchase MedicAlert bracelets with ANYTHING written on them. It's your choice.

Brochures available at pharmacies (usually at the checkout counter). Or even on the net.

Regards

Jon

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by BB on Oct 29^th, 2006, 9:03pm

Excellent idea!

Would be interesting to see if a Medic Alert Bracelet with the words Cluster Headaches and Oxygen 15LPM would help if still not so many people knows anything about CH ?

Even walking into ER with a full blown CH can still be met with ignorance, whether a bracelet would really work, but its worth a try.

Also didnt think airlines have oxygen with flow that high ?

Annette

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by purpleydog on Oct 29^th, 2006, 9:18pm

Can you notify a flight attendant (or the airline) ahead of time, or when you board, and maybe have a card from your doc stating you have CH, and oxygen may be needed? That would save a lot of time, and would allow you access to the O2 faster, so you don't have to wait until you can't speak to try to get it. Or get the bracelet, and show it to them when you board the plane. Glad the O2 works for you on the plane. The earlier you ask for it, and get it, the faster it will work (for most people), so maybe don't wait until you are totally ramped up before you request it?

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by NovellRed on Oct 29^th, 2006, 10:47pm

Wow, I didn't know I could get a medic alert bracelet with anything I want on it. I am looking into that right now. THANKS
A heads up to the flight crew would save me precious time and the infernal questions. I like that advice!

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by chewy on Oct 29^th, 2006, 10:57pm

There is a card or a form somewhere that is CH specific and presentable at an emergency room.

AHS, IHS, ? One of those sites?

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Linda_Howell on Oct 29^th, 2006, 11:10pm

National Headache Foundation

Toll-free 1800-888-5552

They will send you a headaches sufferer card to put in your wallet with all the info you need to present to ER...Dr....ambulance....or strange person staring at you in parking lot while you bang your head into the steering wheel. Works for Police who may show up too.

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Turts on Oct 30^th, 2006, 2:22am

i recently travelled O.S.

I carried a OUCH letter in case of a hit.

I thought I could flash them the employer letter and that would suffice.

Turts

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by NovellRed on Oct 30^th, 2006, 7:11pm

on 10/29/06 at 23:10:53, Linda_Howell wrote:

Thanks for the information. I did not know they would do that. Just in case anyone else needed the phone number it is actually 1-888-643-5552.

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by chewy on Oct 30^th, 2006, 10:55pm

Thanks Linda. Thats the one.

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Bond007 on Nov 1^st, 2006, 2:04pm

This is a wonderfully informative thread! I normally don't travel alone, but I'm definitely going to get these items gathered around just in case. I've have almost gotten some serious hits in public recently and I just wouldn't know what others would think or do once they saw me in the throws of a kip 10.

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by NovellRed on Nov 1^st, 2006, 3:20pm

I ordered my Medic Alert bracelet form American Medical ID (www.identifyYourself.com). Got the bracelet with the Medic Alert symbol (in red) chain clasp and engraved with "my name, Cluster HA, Oxygen 15 LPM" for $59.95. If it saves me 10 minutes of the devil, it will be worth every penny.
Now let's hope I never need it!

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Phil L on Nov 2^nd, 2006, 6:36pm

Just when I thought I new it all.........what a great thread! Linda, thanks for the information regarding the card from the National Headache Foundation and a bracelet may not be such a bad idea either. Both will save time, energy explanations.

Phil

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Turts on Nov 6^th, 2006, 2:32pm

i wouldnt mind getting a bracelet with the medical logo on the left and the the OUCH logo engraved on the front with personal details on the back.

Good link

Turts

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by Linda_Howell on Nov 6^th, 2006, 2:40pm

The bracelet 60.00 dollars

The card free

Information when you need to show it to someone...

PRICELESS

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by G on Nov 6^th, 2006, 10:29pm

I get stuck in public way to much,I'm definatly going to call that number,was stuck for four hours today :'( If one more kind soul tells me they have clusters and offer me aspirin i'll choke them ....sure i'll take 30 and a ham sandwich

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by roy21302 on Nov 7^th, 2006, 3:49pm

Hi Folks
Linda your postjust above sounds like you been watching Visa card adds on TV!!! ;;D
Over here if you join OUCH UK, they give you a little card that you can carry in your wallet, telling people whats wrong etc, seems like a good idea, I have one. Its about credit card sized.
Cheers Roy :)

Title: Re: Medic Alert Bracelet?
Post by BB on Nov 7^th, 2006, 7:26pm

In Australia , you can order a MedicAlert bracelet or a necklace through the Australia MedicAlert Foundation.

The number is 1800 882 222.

Their website is www.medicalert.com.au.

You will need your doctor to fill it out for you though.

Annette